Archive for March, 2012

I found the Labour TENS to be extremely helpful during my labour. Lachlan is my first baby and I managed the labour from start to finish in only 5 hours. Although the TENS does not remove the pain, it provides an excellent distraction, if you view it in the right way. My husband and I practised using the TENS machine before the labour , as recommended.

I was induced due to pre-eclampsia, so knew I was in for a more intense labour experience. My labour was around 14 hours and TENS was extremely effective. It was used until the last 2 hours, when the induction was intensified to speed up my delivery. I think in a “normal” or non induced labour TENS would have totally eliminated my need for an epidural, which I had for the last hour before my baby was born.

My labour was very quick, 6.5 hours, despite being a first time Mum. I started using the Labour TENS machine at home 2 hours after the onset of my contractions. I started the pulses at 10mA and gradually increased the levels as my contractions became stronger. During the pushing stage I set the TENS machine at full strength with no additional pain relief.

I remember my pain levels during labour being bearable thanks to the TENS machine and a tennis ball that I was squeezing the life out of!

I would recommend the TENS machine to all women giving birth.. Who knows, it could be all the pain relief you need!